Cheick Tiote the former Newcastle star died suddenly from a heart attack days before his wife is due to give birth.
The 30-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder collapsed during a training session with Chinese second division outfit Beijing Enterprises on Monday.
Tiote was rushed to hospital at 6pm local time but pronounced dead around an hour later.
He only quit English football for China in January. His devastated wife Madah is expecting their third child this week.
His agent Emanuele Palladino confirmed the news on Monday afternoon, saying: "I confirm that my client Cheick Tiote passed away today after collapsing in training with his club Beijing Enterprises."
Tiote begun his pro career in Belgium with Anderlecht, a period which included a loan spell with Roda JC.
From there he moved to FC Twente in the Netherlands, establishing himself as an effective defensive midfielder, making 86 appearances for the Dutch side.
He moved to the Premier League to join Newcastle in 2010 and made over 150 appearances for the Toon before leaving for China in February this year.
Tiote was plying his trade in the second tier in China for Beijing Enterprises. He had played 17 times for the club before his death.
Current Toon boss Rafa Benitez said: "It is with great sadness that I have this afternoon learned of Cheick's death.
In the all the time that I have known him, he was a true professional, dedicated and above all, a great man.
"Our hearts go out to his family and friends at such a sad time."
Tiote spent seven years at Newcastle having arrived in the north east in August 2010 for just £3.5million.
Upon his arrival, he said: "It’s a great thrill for me to be joining such a famous club as Newcastle United."
His only goal was a memorable one, the highlight of one of the most incredible games in Premier League history.
The Magpies trailed Arsenal 4-0 at half-time in February 2011, with Tiote's spectacular volley making it 4-4 and sealing a point at St James' Park.
Tiote made 52 appearances for the Ivory Coast and was part of the country's 'golden generation'.
He was part of the side that triumphed in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in a penalty shootout against Ghana.
No comments:
Post a Comment